7 Strategies to Reduce Your Stress and Feel Better

Stress is an inside job.  Have you noticed there is no universal stressor?  Except perhaps for having a gun pointed at you at close range.

One person’s stress is another’s playground.  You may struggle mightily at a task only to find someone else who is able to complete it in far less time and do a better job.  All with a smile on their face!  This clearly shows that stress is based upon your personal perceptions and erroneous thinking.

Recent studies repeatedly show that our attitude has much more to do with success than our skills or knowledge.  A Carnegie Foundation study proves that attitude is a better predictor of job success than knowledge or skills.  In fact, attitude is 550% more of a factor to your success than knowledge and skills combined!  Note to self the next time you do some hiring!

Here are a few strategies to help you improve your attitude and effectiveness – not to mention feel better and be healthier:

1. Set the Tone for Your Day – Start your day off by reading or listening to something inspirational. Develop a positive attitude and expect your day to be a great one.  Get your mind right.  Don’t make this a chore – do it because it helps you align your heart and mind with your goals.
2. Allow Plenty of Time – Set your day to maximize your strength and focus. Schedule your important tasks at a time when you’re feeling fresh and charged up.  Don’t run from meeting to meeting or chore to chore.   Give yourself time to focus on the task at hand.  When completed, move to the next one.  Starting the day off running late is a recipe for a melt-down.  Respect yourself and do what works for you.
3. Be Authentic – it takes a lot of energy to pretend to be something or someone you aren’t. People respect authenticity and it lowers your stress levels.  You can still get the job done without stressing out and trying to be a people pleaser and never saying no.  Build your self-esteem and respect yourself enough to make it Job 1 to take care of yourself.  If you don’t to it who will?
4. Get Away – take a break during the day, even if it’s just to take a short walk. It’s important to break up your routine and recharge.  Take a walk and practice mindfulness – notice the sounds, the smells, and colors you see.  Take it all in without judgment and just appreciate your ability to do so.  A change of scenery will do wonders for your effectiveness and productivity.
5. Say a Kind Word – Many people are starving for an authentic and heartfelt kind word. Give them some genuine appreciation.  Help them feel better and spread the joy.  The beauty of this is that it’s a 2-way street – you’ll both feel better and your  stress levels will drop.
6. Focus on Effectiveness vs. Working Hard – Many focus and brag about their long hours at the job or how much they have to do. Everyone’s busy but few are effective.  Take a moment to analyze the task at hand and determine if it’s really necessary and determine what the bottom line is.  If you can provide a better solution then do this.  Always add value vs. being busy.
7. Remind Yourself This is Your Choice – Don’t fall into the trap of thinking you “have to”. This builds resistance and creates tension in your mind and body.  Change “I have to” to “I get to”.  Notice the difference in how this feels to you?  Your words have power so use them to your benefit.